CKD Galbraith has appointed Iain Russell as chairman as the property consultant marks its continued expansion in Scotland with the opening of a new office in Aberdeen.

Mr Russell, head of the firm's rural business division, will work closely with Tim Kirkwood, who has been re-elected chief executive by the partners of the firm.

CKD Galbraith, which employs more than 225 people across 14 offices in Scotland, said its new north-east office will focus on high-quality residential sales, farm and estate management and valuation.

Mr Russell succeeds James Galbraith, who had been chairman since the firm was formed by the merger of CKD Finlayson Hughes and Cluttons (Scotland) 11 years ago.